Flexibly configurable button panels for gaming machines

ABSTRACT

Flexibly configurable button panels for electronic devices and dynamic display systems for wager based gaming machines are disclosed. Button panels include a flexible cable, surface mount or other cable connectors spaced along and coupled thereto, and button assemblies coupled thereto via the cable connectors to provide electrical access from buttons to circuit lines. Relative physical locations of buttons are then reconfigurable to form different button panel configurations while the buttons remain coupled to the flexible cable. A dedicated dynamic button panel controller for processing button functions and a button panel identification device having an identification code can also be provided. Buttons can be removably coupled to the cable connectors, and can also include dynamic displays thereupon. Other gaming machine dynamic displays can also be provided. Separate dynamic display controllers can be provided to control dynamic displays directly to alleviate processing burdens on the master gaming controller.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to co-pending and commonly owned U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/558,860 titled “DYNAMIC DISPLAY SYSTEMSFOR GAMING MACHINES,” having the same filing date of this application,and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and forall purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to electronic machine design andmanufacture, and more specifically to the configuration and control ofinput devices and displays on such electronic machines, particularlygaming machines.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices and machines have become an everyday part of life inmodern times, as even many traditionally non-electronic items andmachines have now gone “high-tech.” While machines such as coin-operatedvideo games, ticket purchasing machines and other types of vendingmachines have long been electronic, items such as automobiles, washingmachines, coffee makers and other appliances now tend to be electronicas well. Many of these electronic machines and items include variousinput, output and/or functional result devices and components, such thatthe overall design, manufacture, use and repair of such electronicmachines has become increasingly complex.

Casinos and other forms of gaming are a particular example of anindustry where electronic machines, such as, for example, microprocessorbased gaming machines, are extremely popular. In a typical electronicgaming machine, such as a slot machine, video poker machine, video kenomachine or the like, a game play is first initiated through a playerwager of money or credit, whereupon the gaming machine determines a gameoutcome, presents the game outcome to the player and then potentiallydispenses an award of some type, including a monetary award, dependingupon the game outcome. Electronic and microprocessor based gamingmachines can include a variety of hardware and software components toprovide a wide variety of game types and game playing capabilities, withsuch hardware and software components being generally well known in theart. A typical electronic gaming machine can include hardware devicesand peripheral such as bill validators, coin acceptors, card readers,keypads, buttons, levers, touch screens, coin hoppers, player trackingunits and the like. In addition, each gaming machine can have variousaudio and visual display components that can include, for example,speakers, display panels, belly and top glasses, exterior cabinetartwork, lights, and top box dioramas, as well as any number of videodisplays of various types to show game play and other assortedinformation, with such video display types including, for example, acathode ray tube (“CRT”), a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), a lightemitting diode (“LED”), a flat panel display and a plasma display, amongothers.

As noted above, the design and manufacture of such gaming machines andother electronic machines has become increasingly complex, particularlywith the advent of multiple displays, sound output devices,touchscreens, buttons, currency acceptors, card acceptors and anassortment of other peripheral devices that may be part of suchmachines. One type of item that can be found on many such machines is a“button panel” having a plurality of input buttons that are arranged orconfigured in a particular fashion for a user of the machine. As isgenerally known, buttons for such button panels tend to be relativelylarge and spaced apart from each other in a fashion that is distinctivefrom smaller keypad types of buttons and arrangements. In particular,such button panels can be found, for example, on coin-operated videogames, video poker machines, video keno machines, electronic slotmachines, and the like. One example of a generally well-known buttonpanel could be the arrangement of buttons that typically exist on avideo poker machine, the button panel for which can include onehold/drop button for each video poker card, a deal/draw button, a repeatbet button, one or more other betting buttons, a cash out button, and/ora service button, among others. While the entire collection of thesebuttons on the front panel of the video poker machine can be generallybe referred to as the “button panel” for that machine, such a buttonpanel might also include one or more other buttons located elsewhereabout the machine, or could be a subset of all of the buttons on thefront panel of the machine, as may be desired.

While button panels such as the general video poker button panel asnoted above can be the same or substantially similar on the same type ofmachines, the numbers and configurations of such buttons can differsubstantially between different models and types of machines. Forexample, while one slot machine or video game might have six rectangularbuttons arranged in a line on a front button panel, the next slotmachine or video game might have seven circular buttons arranged orconfigured in a more artful fashion on an otherwise similar front buttonpanel. Because the numbers and configurations of such button panels canvary widely from one machine type or model to another, it is typical foreach of such differing types and models of machine to be designed andmanufactured in a customized manner. That is, every different model ofgaming machine or other similar electronic device having a button paneltypically requires that a separate assessment be made of the buttons,wiring and other parts needed to construct its particular button panel.

As is generally known, such button panels for gaming machines and othersimilar devices are typically made with customized wiring that runs fromeach button to another button and/or to one or more processing devicesadapted to process input from the various buttons. While such wiring canbe organized in various ways, such as through the use of harnessesand/or coupling devices so as to streamline the manufacturing and/orrepair processes, it is typically incumbent upon those making themachine to individually connect and solder the endpoints of each wire.This can tend to be a labor intensive process, requiring the expenditureof significant amounts of time and resources to simply wire each buttonindividually. Such customized wiring of buttons individually for eachmachine can lead to additional problems whenever a mistake is made inthe wiring process, the detection and resolution of which can also becostly and time consuming. Furthermore, the repair or switching out ofbuttons or other defective components can also be costly and timeconsuming processes where such buttons have been individually wired in acustomized manner.

Various attempts have been made to provide improved button panels,details of which may be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,102,394and 6,117,010, as well as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0018877,which references are each incorporated herein by reference. While thevarious features of these references may provide some benefits regardingbutton panels, there still remain a variety of drawbacks. For example,the overall configurable and reconfigurable nature of these buttonpanels is not as flexible as may be desired for some manufacturing andrepair situations. Furthermore, it does not appear that these buttonpanels have any particularized identifying features, nor are there anyspecialized processing components or arrangements associated with thesebutton panels, such as to identify missing, malfunctioning or wronglyconfigured buttons on the button panel.

While existing designs and systems for providing button panels inelectronic devices and machines have been adequate in the past,improvements are usually welcomed and encouraged. In light of theforegoing, it is thus desirable to develop a more universal and flexiblebutton panel that is adapted to be used in different models of machines,such that the manufacture, use and repair of such a button panel wouldbe streamlined significantly.

Regarding such a more universal and flexible button panel, it isgenerally known that sophisticated buttons now exist having smalldisplay screens thereupon. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,798,359, and7,071,845, which are each incorporated herein by reference, both teachof buttons having 16×16 pixel LCD screens disposed thereupon. Whilethese particular buttons are used within the context of a keypad, it isgenerally known that such uses may extend to non-keypad type buttons andbutton panels. However, the use of such display embedded buttons withinwager based gaming machines can present additional problems unique togaming machines.

As is generally known, electronic wager based gaming machines typicallyinclude a master gaming controller (“MGC”) that is responsible for manyor all primary gaming machine functions, particularly all random numbergenerator and game determination outcomes, outcome displays, monetaryand ticket intake, payouts, user input processing, and various securityfunctions. In addition, the burden for processing many other gamingmachine functions tend to be placed on the MGC, with such otherfunctions typically including video and display processing. With theadvent of secondary, tertiary and further displays, however, as well asmore sophisticated animations, displays and video, the displayprocessing burdens alone that can now be placed on the MGC have becomeimmense. Adding further displays for a plurality of buttons, along withthe accompanying processing needs, can only serve to aggravate thisexisting problem.

Accordingly, while existing gaming machine architectures and designs forproviding multiple display processing have been adequate in the past,improvements are usually welcomed and encouraged. In light of theforegoing, it is thus desirable to develop a more dynamic display systemthat is adapted to be used in sophisticated gaming machines havingmultiple displays, such that the burdens and drawbacks of relying upon amaster gaming controller to do all or much of the display processing forthe entire gaming machine can be significantly reduced.

SUMMARY

It is an advantage of the present invention to provide button panels forelectronic devices that are more universal, interchangeable and flexiblyconfigurable, such that the manufacture, use and repair of such buttonpanels are streamlined significantly. This can be accomplished at leastin part through the use of a flexible cable, such as a flat printed flexcircuit, which can be used to physically and electrically connect aplurality of subject buttons together in parallel into a single buttonpanel strip that is more efficient for use within the overall electronicdevice. It is an additional advantage of the present invention toprovide more dynamic display systems and methods for use within a gamingmachine, such that the display processing burdens placed upon a mastergaming controller are alleviated.

In many embodiments, the subject flexibly configurable button panel isadapted to provide a plurality of input buttons that can be arrangedinto multiple distinct button panel configurations for an associatedelectronic device. Such a flexibly configurable button panel can includea flexible cable having a plurality of separate circuit lines runningtherethrough, a plurality of cable connectors spaced along and coupledto the flexible cable, and a plurality of button assemblies coupled tothe flexible cable via one or more of the plurality of cable connectors,which cable connectors can be surface mount connectors, through-holeconnectors, press-fit connectors or any other suitable cable connectors.Each cable connector can be adapted to provide electrical access to atleast a portion of the plurality of separate circuit lines such thateach button assembly coupled to a cable connector is also provided suchelectrical access. One beneficial resulting feature for such a flexiblyconfigurable button panel is that the relative physical locations of thebutton assemblies (and thus the buttons) with respect to each other aresubstantially reconfigurable to form different button panelconfigurations while those button assemblies remain coupled to theflexible cable via the respective cable connectors.

Further features and items may also be found in various embodiments, andit will be readily appreciated that various combinations of thefollowing features and items may be used as may be desired. For example,in some embodiments the flexible cable can comprise a flat flex circuithaving printed circuit lines. In some embodiments, at least one of thebutton assemblies can be removably coupled to its respective cableconnector. In some embodiments, the spacing between multiple pairs of oreven all consecutive cable connectors along said flexible cable can begreater than about one inch. In some embodiments, at least one cableconnector can be adapted to provide electrical access to every activecircuit line within the flexible cable, such as for purposes ofcommunication with one or more processors external to the flexiblyconfigurable button panel. In some embodiments, the circuit lines withinthe flexible cable can include data, programming, clock, strobe, power,ground and address lines. In some instances, the plurality of buttonassemblies can include at least five button assemblies, ten buttonassemblies, or even 32 button assemblies or more. Further, one or moreof the button assemblies can comprise an input button having a smallvideo screen or other visual display screen thereupon. In someembodiments, at least one electrical harness coupling a respectivebutton assembly to a respective cable connector can also be provided,such that the respective button assembly is thereby flexibly locatablewith respect to the flexible cable.

One or more added components can also be a part of and/or closelyassociated with such flexibly configurable button panels. Such addedcomponents can include a dedicated dynamic button panel controller thatis coupled to the flexible cable via a respective cable connector, withsuch a dedicated dynamic button panel controller being adapted toprocess input from each button assembly. A button panel identification(“ID”) device can also be included, with such a button panel ID devicehaving a specifically assigned identification number or code thatcorresponds to a particular callout of button assemblies that should bepresent at specific cable connectors that are on the flexible cable. Insome embodiments, a set of switches, such as, for example, manuallysettable dual inline package (“DIP”) switches can be provided, where thebutton panel identification number or code is a result of the setting ofthe DIP switches or other suitable switches. In some embodiments, anelectronic identification chip or storage device can be provided, wherethe specific button panel identification number or code is provided as aresult of a number or code stored on the electronic identification chipor storage device. In some embodiments, at least one of the dedicateddynamic button panel controller and/or the button panel ID device can beadapted to check each of the cable connectors for the appropriatepresence or absence of a button assembly according to the specificallyassigned button panel identification number or code.

In some embodiments, which may include any combination of the foregoingitems and features, a mounting support plate or other suitable coverplate can be included as part of a flexibly configurable button panel orelectronic device having such a button panel. Such a mounting supportplate can be formed from a rigid material and have holes for buttonsdisposed therethrough, such that the various button assemblies of thebutton panel can be located through the holes and mounted to or withrespect to the mounting support plate or cover plate.

In any of the foregoing embodiments, such a flexibly configurable buttonpanel can be incorporated into an overall electronic device, such as aticket purchase machine, coin-operated video game, gaming machine, andthe like. In particular, various embodiments include a gaming machinehaving a flexibly configurable button panel such as those describedherein. Such a gaming machine can be adapted to host wager based gamesinvolving accepting a wager, playing a game based on the wager andgranting a payout based on the result of the game. In addition to theflexibly configurable button panel, such a gaming machine can alsoinclude an exterior housing arranged to contain a plurality of internalgaming machine components therein, as well as a master gaming controllerthat is in communication with the flexibly configurable button panel andat least one other of the internal gaming machine components, and thatis adapted to execute or control one or more aspects of a wager basedgame. Further embodiments can involve such a gaming machine within anoverall gaming system that can include multiple gaming machines andother electronic devices, one or more of which may also include aflexibly configurable button panel.

In further embodiments, various methods of manufacturing, using and/orrepairing an electronic device having user input buttons may also beprovided. For example, a manufacturing process can involve selecting aflexibly configurable button panel such as any of those described above,electrically coupling this flexibly configurable button panel to aprocessing unit associated with the overall electronic device, andarranging the relative physical locations of the associated plurality ofbutton assemblies with respect to each other to form a specific buttonpanel configuration while such button assemblies remain coupled to therespective flexible cable via their respective cable connectors. Whilethe processing unit is preferably adapted to process input from theplurality of button assemblies, the specific configuration formed can bein accordance with a pre-designed button panel configuration for theelectronic device. An additional process step can involve checkingwhether the button assemblies used are correctly located at theirrespective plurality of cable connectors in accordance with thepre-designed button panel configuration. As noted above, such a checkingstep can be performed in accordance with a number or code present on abutton panel identification device associated with the flexiblyconfigurable button panel, and may be automated.

In still further embodiments, various systems and methods involving adynamic display system for a gaming machine are provided. As notedabove, such a gaming machine can be adapted for hosting wager basedgames, and can include an exterior housing and a master gamingcontroller adapted to execute or control one or more aspects of thewager based games. The gaming machine can also include a primary displayin communication with the master gaming controller and adapted topresent one or more components of said wager based game, a plurality ofdynamic displays located on or about the gaming machine and separatefrom the primary display, and one or more dynamic display controllerslocated separately from the master gaming controller and adapted tocontrol directly the displays of the plurality of dynamic displays. Suchdynamic display controllers can also be in direct or indirectcommunication with the master gaming controller, such as to receiveactual downloaded content, high level commands that require additionaldetailed display processing by the dynamic display controllers, or both.

In various detailed embodiments of the foregoing general gaming machinehaving a dynamic display system, one or more of the following featuresand items can be used in any combination deemed desirable. In someembodiments, the dynamic displays can include five, ten, 32, or moredynamic displays, which dynamic displays can be located on distinctlyseparate gaming machine components. Such distinctly separate gamingmachine components can include a top box display, a belly glass display,a dynamic button panel, a dynamic button, a bonus device display and aplayer tracking display, among others. In some embodiments, a dynamicdisplay can be adapted to display default images, diagnostic images, orboth, while in some embodiments at least one dynamic display controllerscan be built into a respective dynamic display, such as one that itcontrols.

In some embodiments, a dynamic display controller can be adapted tostore static visual images, video, or both for use with its controlleddynamic display or displays, while in some embodiments a dynamic displaycontrollers can be adapted to receive directly downloaded static visualimages, video, or both from an outside source, such as a master gamingcontroller, an external server, or both. In various embodiments, adynamic display controller can be adapted to control different types ofdynamic displays simultaneously, and in such cases such a dynamicdisplay controller can be further adapted to detect and diagnose thetypes of dynamic displays with which it communicates. Furthermore, asnoted above, such gaming machines having a dynamic display system canalso include a flexibly configurable button panel such as any of thebutton panels disclosed herein. In particular, such button panels mayinclude buttons having displays disposed thereupon, such that one ormore dynamic display controllers can be used to control such buttondisplays.

Other methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or willbecome apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of thefollowing figures and detailed description. It is intended that all suchadditional methods, features and advantages be included within thisdescription, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected bythe accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only toprovide examples of possible structures and process steps for thedisclosed inventive flexibly configurable button panels and methods ofmanufacture therefor.

FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective view an exemplary gaming machine.

FIG. 2 illustrates in block diagram format an exemplary networkinfrastructure for providing a gaming system having one or more gamingmachines.

FIG. 3A illustrates in top plan view an exemplary section of a flexiblyconfigurable button panel having multiple buttons coupled theretoaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates in side elevation view the exemplary section of aflexibly configurable button panel of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 illustrates in partially exploded perspective view an exemplarycable connector and button mating component according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIGS. 5A through 5D illustrate in top, side, front and partiallyexploded perspective views an exemplary button assembly according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A illustrates a partial electrical diagram of an alternativeflexibly configurable button panel according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6B illustrates a selected portion of the electrical diagram of FIG.6A in greater detail.

FIG. 7 illustrates an electrical diagram for an exemplary buttonassembly to flexible cable interface according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8A illustrates in top perspective view one exemplary physicalconfiguration of buttons for the flexibly configurable button panel ofFIGS. 3A and 3B according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B illustrates in top perspective view an alternative exemplaryphysical configuration of buttons for the flexibly configurable buttonpanel of FIGS. 3A and 3B according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary flexibly configurablebutton panel and associated processing components according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary dynamic displaysystem for a gaming machine having dynamic display buttons according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method of manufacturingan electronic device having a flexibly configurable button panelaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary applications of methods and systems according to the presentinvention are described as follows. These examples are being providedsolely to add context and aid in the understanding of the invention. Itwill thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the presentinvention may be practiced without some or all of these specificdetails. In other instances, well known process steps have not beendescribed in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thepresent invention. Other applications are possible, such that thefollowing examples should not be taken as definitive or limiting inscope or setting. Although these examples are described in sufficientdetail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention, itwill be understood that they are not limiting, such that otherembodiments may be used and changes may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention.

The flexibly configurable button panels and associated componentsdisclosed herein provide numerous advantages, such that the manufacture,use and repair of such button panels are significantly enhanced.Advantages include reduced costs and times involved with the initialmanufacture of host electronic devices, such as gaming machines, as wellas substantial increases in the flexibility of configuring andreconfiguring the relative physical locations of buttons within a givenbutton panel. Added advantages can include the easier switch out ofbroken buttons and wholesale replacement of button assemblies, as wellas the ability to set and identify different button panel configurationsthrough the use of button panel ID codes and the hard coding ofindividual button addresses along the associated flexible cable. Suchabilities can lead to a greater interchangeability and multiplied usesof parts for all types of buttons and gaming machines, such that addedbenefits to part and inventory buying and tracking in the manufacturingprocess may also be achieved.

It is to be understood that use of the term “button panel” throughoutthe present application generally refers to a collection or group ofassociated buttons, button assemblies, switches and/or other relatedcomponents, as may be applicable. Other than the actual buttonsthemselves, it is not to be assumed that any other part or componentshall be required as part of any given “button panel” without specificdescription to the contrary. Thus, while components such as a flexiblecable, cable connector, button display, button processor, panel ID,mounting support plate and other items may be components of variousbutton panels, it is not required that any given button panel mustcontain any or all of these components unless otherwise stated orclaimed. For example, one particular flexibly configurable button panel,as described below and later claimed herein, can simply include aflexible cable, a plurality of cable connectors, and a plurality ofbutton assemblies, with no processor, mounting support plate or othercomponent being included.

Although the majority of the present application focuses on the use ofbutton panels within a wager based gaming machine as illustrativeexamples, it will be readily understood that the subject flexiblyconfigurable button panels can similarly be used in a variety of otherelectronic devices, such as coin-operated video games, vending machines,ticket purchase machines, and other similar devices having input buttonsthat are spaced apart in non-keypad type arrangements. Accordingly, itis to be understood that the various flexibly configurable button panelsdisclosed herein are not restricted to gaming machine applications inall instances. Continuing with the example of gaming machines solely forillustrative purposes within this application, various gaming machinesand gaming systems will be presented next, followed by specific detailsregarding the subject flexibly configurable button panels. Variousapplications with respect to a dynamic display system within a gamingmachine are then provided, followed by an exemplary method ofmanufacture.

Gaming Machines

Referring first to FIG. 1, an exemplary gaming machine is illustrated inperspective view. Gaming machine 10 includes a top box 11 and a maincabinet 12, which generally surrounds the machine interior (not shown)and is viewable by users. This top box and/or main cabinet can togetheror separately form an exterior housing adapted to contain a plurality ofinternal gaming machine components therein. Main cabinet 12 includes amain door 20 on the front of the gaming machine, which preferably opensto provide access to the gaming machine interior. Attached to the maindoor are typically one or more player-input switches or buttons 21,which collectively form a button panel, one or more money or creditacceptors, such as a coin acceptor 22 and a bill or ticket validator 23,a coin tray 24, and a belly glass 25. Viewable through main door 20 is aprimary video display monitor 26 adapted to present a game and one ormore information panels 27. The primary video display monitor 26 willtypically be a cathode ray tube, high resolution flat-panel LCD,plasma/LED display or other conventional or other type of appropriatevideo monitor. Alternatively, a plurality of gaming reels can be used asa primary gaming machine display in place of display monitor 26, withsuch gaming reels preferably being electronically controlled, as will bereadily appreciated by one skilled in the art.

Top box 11, which typically rests atop of the main cabinet 12, maycontain a ticket dispenser 28, a key pad 29, one or more additionaldisplays 30, a card reader 31, one or more speakers 32, a top glass 33,one or more cameras 34, and a secondary video display monitor 35, whichcan similarly be a cathode ray tube, a high resolution flat-panel LCD, aplasma/LED display or any other conventional or other type ofappropriate video monitor. Alternatively, secondary display monitor 35might also be foregone in place of other displays, such as gaming reelsor physical dioramas that might include other moving components, suchas, for example, one or more movable dice, a spinning wheel or arotating display. It will be understood that many makes, models, typesand varieties of gaming machines exist, that not every such gamingmachine will include all or any of the foregoing items, and that manygaming machines will include other items not described above.

With respect to the basic gaming abilities provided, it will be readilyunderstood that gaming machine 10 can be adapted for presenting andplaying any of a number of gaming events, particularly games of chanceinvolving a player wager and potential monetary payout, such as, forexample, a wager on a sporting event or general play as a slot machinegame, a keno game, a video poker game, a video blackjack game, and/orany other video table game, among others. Other features and functionsmay also be used in association with gaming machine 10, and it isspecifically contemplated that the present invention can be used inconjunction with such a gaming machine or device that might encompassany or all such additional types of features and functions.

With respect to electronic gaming machines in particular, the electronicgaming machines made by IGT are provided with special features andadditional circuitry that differentiate them from general-purposecomputers, such as a laptop or desktop personal computer (“PC”). Becausegaming machines are highly regulated to ensure fairness, and in manycases are operable to dispense monetary awards of millions of dollars,hardware and software architectures that differ significantly from thoseof general-purpose computers may be implemented into a typicalelectronic gaming machine in order to satisfy security concerns and themany strict regulatory requirements that apply to a gaming environment.A general description of many such specializations in electronic gamingmachines relative to general-purpose computing machines and specificexamples of the additional or different components and features found insuch electronic gaming machines will now be provided.

At first glance, one might think that adapting PC technologies to thegaming industry would be a simple proposition, since both PCs and gamingmachines employ microprocessors that control a variety of devices.However, because of such reasons as 1) the regulatory requirements thatare placed upon gaming machines, 2) the harsh environment in whichgaming machines operate, 3) security requirements and 4) fault tolerancerequirements, adapting PC technologies to a gaming machine can be quitedifficult. Further, techniques and methods for solving a problem in thePC industry, such as device compatibility and connectivity issues, mightnot be adequate in the gaming environment. For instance, a fault or aweakness tolerated in a PC, such as security holes in software orfrequent crashes, may not be tolerated in a gaming machine because in agaming machine these faults can lead to a direct loss of funds from thegaming machine, such as stolen cash or loss of revenue when the gamingmachine is not operating properly.

Accordingly, one difference between gaming machines and common PC basedcomputers or systems is that gaming machines are designed to bestate-based systems. In a state-based system, the system stores andmaintains its current state in a non-volatile memory, such that in theevent of a power failure or other malfunction the gaming machine willreturn to its current state when the power is restored. For instance, ifa player were shown an award for a game of chance and the power failedbefore the award was provided, the gaming machine, upon the restorationof power, would return to the state where the award was indicated. Asanyone who has used a PC knows, PCs are not state machines, and amajority of data is usually lost when a malfunction occurs. This basicrequirement affects the software and hardware design of a gaming machinein many ways.

A second important difference between gaming machines and common PCbased computer systems is that for regulation purposes, the software onthe gaming machine used to generate the game of chance and operate thegaming machine must be designed as static and monolithic to preventcheating by the operator of gaming machine. For instance, one solutionthat has been employed in the gaming industry to prevent cheating andsatisfy regulatory requirements has been to manufacture a gaming machinethat can use a proprietary processor running instructions to generatethe game of chance from an EPROM or other form of non-volatile memory.The coding instructions on the EPROM are static (non-changeable) andmust be approved by a gaming regulator in a particular jurisdiction andinstalled in the presence of a person representing the gamingjurisdiction. Any change to any part of the software required togenerate the game of chance, such as, for example, adding a new devicedriver used by the master gaming controller to operate a device duringgeneration of the game of chance, can require a new EPROM to be burnt,approved by the gaming jurisdiction, and reinstalled on the gamingmachine in the presence of a gaming regulator. Regardless of whether theEPROM solution is used, to gain approval in most gaming jurisdictions, agaming machine must demonstrate sufficient safeguards that prevent anoperator of the gaming machine from manipulating hardware and softwarein a manner that gives the operator an unfair or even illegal advantageover a player. The code validation requirements in the gaming industryaffect both hardware and software designs on gaming machines.

A third important difference between gaming machines and common PC basedcomputer systems is that the number and kinds of peripheral devices usedon a gaming machine are not as great as on PC based computer systems.Traditionally in the gaming industry, gaming machines have beenrelatively simple in the sense that the number of peripheral devices andthe number of functions on the gaming machine have been limited.Further, the functionality of a gaming machine tends to remainrelatively constant once the gaming machine is deployed, in that newperipheral devices and new gaming software is infrequently added to anexisting operational gaming machine. This differs from a PC, where userstend to buy new and different combinations of devices and software fromdifferent manufacturers, and then connect or install these new items toa PC to suit their individual needs. Therefore, the types of devicesconnected to a PC may vary greatly from user to user depending on theirindividual requirements, and may also vary significantly over time for agiven PC.

Although the variety of devices available for a PC may be greater thanon a gaming machine, gaming machines still have unique devicerequirements that differ from a PC, such as device security requirementsnot usually addressed by PCs. For instance, monetary devices such ascoin dispensers, bill validators, ticket printers and computing devicesthat are used to govern the input and output of cash to a gaming machinehave security requirements that are not typically addressed in PCs. ManyPC techniques and methods developed to facilitate device connectivityand device compatibility do not address the emphasis placed on securityin the gaming industry. To address some of these issues, a number ofhardware/software components and architectures are utilized in gamingmachines that are not typically found in general-purpose computingdevices, such as PCs. These hardware/software components andarchitectures include, but are not limited to, items such as watchdogtimers, voltage monitoring systems, state-based software architecturesand supporting hardware, specialized communication interfaces, securitymonitoring, and trusted memory.

A watchdog timer is normally used in IGT gaming machines to provide asoftware failure detection mechanism. In a normal operating system, theoperating software periodically accesses control registers in a watchdogtimer subsystem to “re-trigger” the watchdog. Should the operatingsoftware not access the control registers within a preset timeframe, thewatchdog timer will time out and generate a system reset. Typicalwatchdog timer circuits contain a loadable timeout counter register toallow the operating software to set the timeout interval within acertain time range. A differentiating feature of some preferred circuitsis that the operating software cannot completely disable the function ofthe watchdog timer. In other words, the watchdog timer always functionsfrom the time power is applied to the board.

IGT gaming computer platforms preferably use several power supplyvoltages to operate portions of the computer circuitry. These can begenerated in a central power supply or locally on the computer board. Ifany of these voltages falls out of the tolerance limits of the circuitrythey power, unpredictable operation of the computer may result. Thoughmost modern general-purpose computers include voltage-monitoringcircuitry, these types of circuits only report voltage status to theoperating software. Out of tolerance voltages can cause softwaremalfunction, creating a potential uncontrolled condition in the gamingcomputer. IGT gaming machines, however, typically have power supplieswith tighter voltage margins than that required by the operatingcircuitry. In addition, the voltage monitoring circuitry implemented inIGT gaming computers typically has two thresholds of control. The firstthreshold generates a software event that can be detected by theoperating software and an error condition generated. This threshold istriggered when a power supply voltage falls out of the tolerance rangeof the power supply, but is still within the operating range of thecircuitry. The second threshold is set when a power supply voltage fallsout of the operating tolerance of the circuitry. In this case, thecircuitry generates a reset, halting operation of the computer.

The standard method of operation for IGT gaming machine game software isto use a state machine. Each function of the game (e.g., bet, play,result) is defined as a state. When a game moves from one state toanother, critical data regarding the game software is stored in a customnon-volatile memory subsystem. In addition, game history informationregarding previous games played, amounts wagered, and so forth alsoshould be stored in a non-volatile memory device. This feature allowsthe game to recover operation to the current state of play in the eventof a malfunction, loss of power, or the like. This is critical to ensurethat correct wagers and credits are preserved. Typically, battery backedRAM devices are used to preserve this critical data. These memorydevices are not used in typical general-purpose computers. Further, IGTgaming computers normally contain additional interfaces, includingserial interfaces, to connect to specific subsystems internal andexternal to the gaming machine. The serial devices may have electricalinterface requirements that differ from the “standard” EIA RS232 serialinterfaces provided by general-purpose computers. These interfaces mayinclude EIA RS485, EIA RS422, Fiber Optic Serial, optically coupledserial interfaces, current loop style serial interfaces, and the like.In addition, to conserve serial interfaces internally in the gamingmachine, serial devices may be connected in a shared, daisy-chainfashion where multiple peripheral devices are connected to a singleserial channel.

IGT gaming machines may alternatively be treated as peripheral devicesto a casino communication controller and connected in a shared daisychain fashion to a single serial interface. In both cases, theperipheral devices are preferably assigned device addresses. If so, theserial controller circuitry must implement a method to generate ordetect unique device addresses. General-purpose computer serial portsare not able to do this. In addition, security-monitoring circuitsdetect intrusion into an IGT gaming machine by monitoring securityswitches attached to access doors in the gaming machine cabinet.Preferably, access violations result in suspension of game play and cantrigger additional security operations to preserve the current state ofgame play. These circuits also function when power is off by use of abattery backup. In power-off operation, these circuits continue tomonitor the access doors of the gaming machine. When power is restored,the gaming machine can determine whether any security violationsoccurred while power was off, such as by software for reading statusregisters. This can trigger event log entries and further dataauthentication operations by the gaming machine software.

Trusted memory devices are preferably included in an IGT gaming machinecomputer to ensure the authenticity of the software that may be storedon less secure memory subsystems, such as mass storage devices. Trustedmemory devices and controlling circuitry are typically designed to notallow modification of the code and data stored in the memory devicewhile the memory device is installed in the gaming machine. The code anddata stored in these devices may include, for example, authenticationalgorithms, random number generators, authentication keys, operatingsystem kernels, and so forth. The purpose of these trusted memorydevices is to provide gaming regulatory authorities a root trustedauthority within the computing environment of the gaming machine thatcan be tracked and verified as original. This may be accomplished viaremoval of the trusted memory device from the gaming machine computerand verification of the secure memory device contents is a separatethird party verification device. Once the trusted memory device isverified as authentic, and based on the approval of verificationalgorithms contained in the trusted device, the gaming machine isallowed to verify the authenticity of additional code and data that maybe located in the gaming computer assembly, such as code and data storedon hard disk drives.

Mass storage devices used in a general-purpose computer typically allowcode and data to be read from and written to the mass storage device. Ina gaming machine environment, modification of the gaming code stored ona mass storage device is strictly controlled and would only be allowedunder specific maintenance type events with electronic and physicalenablers required. Though this level of security could be provided bysoftware, IGT gaming computers that include mass storage devicespreferably include hardware level mass storage data protection circuitrythat operates at the circuit level to monitor attempts to modify data onthe mass storage device and will generate both software and hardwareerror triggers should a data modification be attempted without theproper electronic and physical enablers being present. In addition tothe basic gaming abilities provided, these and other features andfunctions serve to differentiate gaming machines into a special class ofcomputing devices separate and distinct from general-purpose computers.

General Gaming Network And System Configurations

Continuing with FIG. 2, an exemplary network infrastructure forproviding a gaming system having one or more gaming machines isillustrated in block diagram format. Exemplary gaming system 50 has oneor more gaming machines, various communication items, and a number ofhost-side components and devices adapted for use within a gamingenvironment. As shown, one or more gaming machines 10 adapted for use ingaming system 50 can be in a plurality of locations, such as in banks ona casino floor or standing alone at a smaller non-gaming establishment,as desired. Common bus 51 can connect one or more gaming machines ordevices to a number of networked devices on the gaming system 50, suchas, for example, a general-purpose server 60, one or morespecial-purpose servers 70, a sub-network of peripheral devices 80,and/or a database 90.

A general-purpose server 60 may be one that is already present within acasino or other establishment for one or more other purposes beyond anymonitoring or administering involving gaming machines. Functions forsuch a general-purpose server can include other general and gamespecific accounting functions, payroll functions, general Internet ande-mail capabilities, switchboard communications, and reservations andother hotel and restaurant operations, as well as other assorted generalestablishment record keeping and operations. In some cases, specificgaming related functions such as cashless gaming, downloadable gaming,player tracking, remote game administration, video or other datatransmission, or other types of functions may also be associated with orperformed by such a general-purpose server. For example, such a servermay contain various programs related to cashless gaming administration,player tracking operations, specific player account administration,remote game play administration, remote game player verification, remotegaming administration, downloadable gaming administration, and/or visualimage or video data storage, transfer and distribution, and may also belinked to one or more gaming machines, in some cases forming a networkthat includes all or many of the gaming devices and/or machines withinthe establishment. Communications can then be exchanged from eachadapted gaming machine to one or more related programs or modules on thegeneral-purpose server.

In one embodiment, gaming system 50 contains one or more special-purposeservers that can be used for various functions relating to the provisionof cashless gaming and gaming machine administration and operation underthe present methods and systems. Such a special-purpose server orservers could include, for example, a cashless gaming server, a playerverification server, a general game server, a downloadable games server,a specialized accounting server, and/or a visual image or videodistribution server, among others. Of course, these functions may all becombined onto a single specialized server. Such additionalspecial-purpose servers are desirable for a variety of reasons, such as,for example, to lessen the burden on an existing general-purpose serveror to isolate or wall off some or all gaming machine administration andoperations data and functions from the general-purpose server andthereby increase security and limit the possible modes of access to suchoperations and information.

Alternatively, exemplary gaming system 50 can be isolated from any othernetwork at the establishment, such that a general-purpose server 60 isessentially impractical and unnecessary. Under either embodiment of anisolated or shared network, one or more of the special-purpose serversare preferably connected to sub-network 80, which might be, for example,a cashier station or terminal. Peripheral devices in this sub-networkmay include, for example, one or more video displays 81, one or moreuser terminals 82, one or more printers 83, and one or more other inputdevices 84, such as a ticket validator or other security identifier,among others. Similarly, under either embodiment of an isolated orshared network, at least the specialized server 70 or another similarcomponent within a general-purpose server 60 also preferably includes aconnection to a database or other suitable storage medium 90. Database90 is preferably adapted to store many or all files containing pertinentdata or information for a particular purpose, such as, for example, dataregarding visual image data, video clips, other displayable items,and/or related data, among other potential items. Files, data and otherinformation on database 90 can be stored for backup purposes, and arepreferably accessible at one or more system locations, such as at ageneral-purpose server 60, a special purpose server 70 and/or a cashierstation or other sub-network location 80, as desired.

While gaming system 50 can be a system that is specially designed andcreated new for use in a casino or gaming establishment, it is alsopossible that many items in this system can be taken or adopted from anexisting gaming system. For example, gaming system 50 could represent anexisting cashless gaming system to which one or more of the inventivecomponents or controller arrangements are added, such as controllers,storage media, and/or other components that may be associated with adynamic display system adapted for use across multiple gaming machinesand devices. In addition to new hardware, new functionality via newsoftware, modules, updates or otherwise can be provided to an existingdatabase 90, specialized server 70 and/or general-purpose server 60, asdesired. Other modifications to an existing system may also benecessary, as might be readily appreciated.

Flexibly Configurable Button Panels

As noted above, many electronic devices include a “button panel” havinga plurality of input buttons that are arranged or configured in aparticular fashion for a user of the machine. As is generally known,buttons for such button panels tend to be relatively large and spacedapart from each other in a fashion that is distinctive from smallerkeypad types of buttons. As also noted above, such button panels tend tobe manufactured through individual wiring and soldering techniques,which tend to involve substantial amounts of skilled labor andincreasing messiness as the number of buttons increases. Even in theimproved examples set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,102,394 and 6,117,010,as well as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0018877, as noted above, thelevels of flexibility in configuring buttons and ease in manufacture anduse of button panels is not fully maximized.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an exemplary section of a flexiblyconfigurable button panel having multiple buttons coupled theretoaccording to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated intop plan and side elevation views. Flexibly configurable button panel100 includes a flexible cable 110 having a plurality circuit lines 111.Although a variety of items can suffice as such a flexible cable havingcircuit lines, a flat flex circuit having printed circuit lines isthought to work well for this purpose. While such an item couldconceivably be an off the shelf model flat flex circuit, it is generallyunderstood in the art that many flat flex circuits are custom designedand manufactured for particular applications. Preferably then, such anitem could be custom designed or manufactured by any suitable flexiblecable or flat flex circuit manufacturer. Although a flat flex circuit isthought to work well, alternative items can also be used instead. Forexample, a specially adapted ribbon cable or appropriately bundled andinsulated cluster of wires can also suffice as such a flexible cable110.

As illustrated, flexible cable 110 preferably includes various separateaccess locations where the printed circuits or other suitable wiringwithin the flexible cable can be accessed. Such access locations cancomprise, in the case of a flat flex circuit for example, a grouped setof contacts that are exposed through the insulating exterior of the flatflex circuit material, such that some or all of the circuits within theflexible cable are accessible at the access point. Flexible cable 110,and in particular one or more processors that may be associatedtherewith, is preferably adapted to physically address each such accesslocation, as described in greater detail below.

Such access locations are preferably spaced apart along the length ofthe flexible cable, with spacing between consecutive access locationsbeing subject to variable designs. For example, such spacing can be onthe order of a fraction of an inch, one inch, or several inches or morefor some or all spacings between flexible cable access locations. Insome embodiments, spacing between such access locations can vary, withthe shortest spacing being a fraction of an inch and the longest beingseveral inches or more. In one particular example, a flat flex circuithaving sixteen access locations and variable spacings therebetween canbe provided, with such variable spacings ranging from one to six inches.As will be readily appreciated, the amounts of and spacings betweenflexible cable access locations are simply a matter of design, and allsuch numbers of access locations and spacings therebetween arecontemplated for use with the present invention. As will also beappreciated, the actual respective physical locations of any attachmentsto consecutive access locations can range from zero to the actual lengthof flexible cable between those attachments, due to the flexible natureof the cable.

Cable connectors 120, 121 can be coupled to the flexible cable 110 atsome or all such access locations, so as to provide electrical access tothe circuit lines along the flexible cable. Such cable connectors caninclude, for example, surface mount, through-hole and/or press-fitconnectors, although one or more other suitable types of cableconnectors can be used along with or instead of these connector types.As will be readily appreciated, each cable connector 120, 121 can beadapted to provide access to all circuit lines or some subset thereof,as may be appropriate for any given design. In various embodiments, suchcable connectors 120, 121 can serve as “plug in” type connectors, suchthat buttons and/or other appropriate devices may be removablyinterchanged along the flexible cable via the cable connectors. Also,while some embodiments may involve a cable connector 120, 121 beinginstalled at every access location along the flexible cable, others mayinvolve only a subset of access locations with cable connectors beinginstalled. In such instances, caps, covers or other suitable materialsmay be used to close off unused access points.

As shown in this particular example of flexibly configurable buttonpanel 100, cable connectors 120 are preferably adapted for mating withbutton assemblies or switches, while cable connector 121 is preferablyadapted for mating with a harness or other suitable connecting componentthat leads to a processing unit and/or other circuit board within theoverall electronic device. As such, cable connectors 120 and 121 arepreferably different in size, shape and/or electrical connections made,such that an improper button assembly, switch, harness, processor boardor other component cannot be improperly plugged into the wrong cableconnector. For example, while each button assembly cable connector 120might be adapted to connect to only a subset of the circuit lines 111,processor cable connector 121 might be adapted to connect to all of thecircuit lines, such that activity on every circuit line can be processedvia this processor cable connector. It will be readily appreciated thatother cable connector types for other components that might be includedon button panel 100 might similarly be different, in the event thatadvanced designs might call for components other than those describedherein.

Switches or button assemblies 130 can be plugged into, installed at orotherwise coupled to one or more cable connectors 120. In variousembodiments, each button assembly 130 can include a button matingcomponent 131 that is adapted to mate or otherwise interface with one ormore appropriate button assembly cable connectors 120. As will bereadily appreciated, not every cable connector must have an associatedswitch, button assembly or other component. For example, the illustratedsection of flexible cable 110 includes eight cable connectors 120 forbutton assemblies or switches 130, but only five switches beinginstalled, with three open and unused cable connectors. It isspecifically contemplated that this five button arrangement be anacceptable and working flexibly configurable button panel 100, with theopen and unused cable connectors simply being superfluous in this case.Of course, many other numbers and arrangements of total cableconnectors, mating button assemblies and unused cable connectors mayalso be possible for any given button panel. In some embodiments, it maybe desirable to cap, cover or otherwise close off unused cableconnectors for a given button panel 100.

As set forth herein, all switches, button assemblies or “buttons” 130are interconnected along the flexible cable 110 in a manner that enablesthe overall button panel 100 and/or other external components tophysically address each button separately. Each button 130 is provided aunique address due to the circuitry design of the flexible cable 110,such that communications can be provided at each individual button asmay be appropriate. Each button 130 receives communications through acommunications stream, as the flexible cable 110 via its associatedcircuit lines 111 serves as a communications bus for all buttons coupledthereto. Of course, such communications are made between the buttonpanel 100 and an outside source, such as a processor, which processorcan be connected to the button panel via a suitable processor cableconnector 121.

As shown in the illustrated example, processor harness 140 havingcircuit lines 141 can be coupled to flexible cable 110 via processingcable connector 121. As noted above, processor harness 140 can be usedto connect the entire flexible cable 110 and thereby all switches andbuttons thereupon to an externally located processor or other componentwithin the overall electronic device. As will be appreciated, there canbe a one-to-one correspondence with circuit lines 111 and 141, such thatall power, communications and/or signals that are sent along flexiblecable 110 are also sent along harness or other processor connector 140.In some embodiments, harness 140 may be foregone in favor of plugging orotherwise coupling a board, processing unit or other component directlyto processing cable connector 121.

In some embodiments, not all button assemblies 130 need be plugged intoor otherwise coupled to cable connectors 120 directly. For example, oneor more button harnesses 150 may be used, whereupon the associatedbutton assembly is thereby flexibly locatable with respect to saidflexible cable itself. Such a button harness 150 can contain a number ofbutton harness circuit lines 151, which can be in one-to-onecorrespondence with the connections made on button cable connector 120and button mating component 131. Such a button harness 150 can beparticularly advantageous in instances where the ordinaryconfigurability of button panel 100 is not flexible enough for a givenapplication. For example, a button harness might be desirable in acustom application where one or more buttons are to be placed in aremote location away from the rest of the buttons in the button panel,such as in a top box or on the side of the gaming machine. Or, it maysimply be the case that the spacing for a given button panel is simplynot long enough for a particular button or two, whereupon a buttonharness 150 can be used to provide any needed slack.

Both processor harness 140 and button harness 150 can be similar toflexible cable 110 with respect to their flexible nature and inclusionof circuit lines. Alternatively one or both types of harnesses may be ofa different size, structure or even type of cable with respect to theprimary flexible cable 110. As in the case of flexible cable 110,harnesses 140 and 150 can be flat flex circuits with printed circuitlines, ribbon cables, appropriately bundled and insulated clusters ofwires, or any other suitable arrangement that achieves the multiplecircuit connections as needed.

Moving next to FIG. 4, an exemplary cable connector and button matingcomponent are shown in partially exploded perspective view. Button cableconnector 120 can be any of a variety of cable connector types, as notedabove. For purposes of illustration here, cable connector 120 is asurface mount type connector. As shown, the surface mount connector usedas cable connector 120 is mounted to the surface of the flexible cable110 such that the various leads of the cable connector connect to thecircuit lines 111 of the flexible cable. The cable connector 120 ispreferably arranged such that a suitable button mating component 131 canbe plugged into the cable connector. As will be readily appreciated,such a button mating component is preferably attached to an appropriateswitch button assembly, so as to facilitate the ready installation orremoval of such a switch or button assembly.

Although any number of suitable cable connectors may be used, includingcable connectors other than surface mount connectors, it is thought thata 21-position Conan™ type surface mount connector is particularlysuitable for such a cable connector 120. Such an item can be, forexample, a vertical receptacle assembly, Part Number 91921-31121LF, asmanufactured by FCI of Versailles Cedex, France. In such a specifiedapplication, button mating component 131 could then be a vertical headerassembly, Part Number 91901-31121LF by the same manufacturer. In someembodiments, these same parts can be used repeatedly for all buttoncable connectors 120 and button mating components 131 on the buttonpanel. Similar items having more positions so as to connect to allcircuit lines can be used for the processor connector 121 and matingcomponent from processor harness 140.

FIGS. 5A through 5D illustrate in top, side, front and partiallyexploded perspective views an exemplary button assembly according to oneembodiment of the present invention. As will be readily appreciated,button assembly 130 may also be and/or referred to as a simple switch,button or other similar actuating component that can be included as partof button panel 100. Such a switch, button, button assembly or othersuitable component can be any of a wide variety of components that canbe used in conjunction with the flexible cable, cable connectors andother components of the inventive button panels disclosed herein. Infact, any of the various examples of buttons set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,102,394; 6,117,010; 6,798,359, and 7,071,845, as well as U.S. PatentPublication No. 2004/0018877, all incorporated above, can be suitablyused as buttons in the present flexibly configurable button panel.Various other switches and button assemblies might also be used, and itis specifically contemplated that the present invention is not limitedin any way by the number, types or models of switches or buttons thatare used therewith.

In general, button assembly can include a top face 132 as part of anactuating top portion or “button” 133, a top receiving portion 134adapted to receive the actuating button, and a non-moving lower body135. Such a basic actuating button assembly is generally well understoodwithin the art. While additional collars, sleeves, knobs, contacts,screws and/or other components may be present, the detailed design ofsuch a button assembly is not critical to the overall scope of thepresent invention, and all such detailed button assembly designs may beused.

In various preferred embodiments, button assembly 130 can include asmall display screen 136 embedded therein, which display screen can beadapted to display static images, animations and/or video on the buttonitself. Accordingly, top face 132 is preferably made of a clear ornon-opaque material, such that the contents of display screen 136 can beseen therethrough. Again, such a display screen can be similar to thatwhich is described for a button display screen in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,798,359, and 7,071,845, as noted above, and other button displayscreen types may also be used. As one alternative to the foregoing, amore detailed display screen of, for example, 90×90 pixels may be used.As will be readily appreciated, such a small LCD type display screen fora button is typically of the type that is custom designed andmanufactured, with any of a number of suitable LCD manufacturers beingable to produce such screens to the desired specifications.

With the use of such a display screen, it is specifically contemplatedthat such a display screen enhanced button assembly also be outfittedwith a small controller, logic device and/or chip or other storagedevice, so as to aid in the display of images, animations and/or videoon the button itself. Such a logic device or small controller can beused to facilitate the display of static images, animations or video onits subject button, as will be readily appreciated. Another buttonfeature that can be used in conjunction with or separate from a buttondisplay screen can involve the use of backlighting within the buttondisplay area. Such backlighting can be facilitated, for example, throughthe use of red, green and blue diode backlights (not shown), which canthen be lit up in different degrees and combinations to produce a widevariety of backlight colors on the face of the button. As in the case ofthe display screen, such backlights can also be controlled by a smallcontroller, logic device and/or chip installed within the button itselffor display control purposes.

Turning next to FIG. 6A a simple electrical diagram for an alternativeflexibly configurable button panel according to one embodiment of thepresent invention are provided. Alternative flexibly configurable buttonpanel 200 can be substantially similar in many regards with respect tothe exemplary flexibly configurable button panel 100 described above.For example, button panel 200 can include a plurality of identical orsimilar circuit lines 211, and a plurality of identical or similarinstalled button assemblies 230. Unlike shorter button panel 100, it canbe seen that longer button panel 200 can include up to 32 switches orbuttons, designated here as buttons A through FF, as opposed to just theeight switches or buttons that can be used on the exemplary strip ofbutton panel 100. Again, the number of buttons or connections for suchbuttons is not intended to be limited, and it is specificallycontemplated that similar button panels having less or more than 32switches, buttons or connections for such may be provided. Further, asin the example above, it is not necessary that every connector orposition be filled by an actual button assembly or switch, such thatvarious empty connectors or positions may be present.

It may be preferable in some manufacturing operations to have “short,”“medium” and “long” lengths of flexibly configurable button panels, suchthat gaming machines requiring small, regular or particularly largeamounts of buttons on a button panel can be provided with appropriatelength flexible button panels. For example, it can be designated that amanufacturer keep inventory parts that include three types of flexiblecable strips for all flexibly configurable button panels—an 8 buttonflexible cable strip, such as that shown in panel 100 above, a 15 buttonflexible cable strip, and a 32 button flexible cable strip, such as thatshown in panel 200 here. Thus, any gaming machine having a button panelrequiring connections for 1-8 buttons can be provided with the “short”length strip, any gaming machine having a button panel requiringconnections for 9-15 buttons can be provided with the “medium” lengthstrip, and any gaming machine having a button panel requiring 16-32buttons can be provided with the “long” length strip. In the event thata given gaming machine might require more than 32 buttons for a buttonpanel, an even longer button strip may be designed, or multiple stripsof the provided lengths in inventory could be used.

Continuing on to FIG. 6B, a selected portion of the electrical diagramof FIG. 6A in shown in greater detail. In this figure, only the sectionof flexibly configurable button panel 200 from button positions Athrough C is depicted, with such positions being shown as simply accesslocations 222 for purposes of illustration. As will be readilyappreciated, circuit lines 211 can be provided within or about aflexible cable (not shown), with some of these circuit lines being madeavailable to all buttons (i.e., access locations) in parallel, andothers being made available only to select buttons or access locations.In particular, specific address lines can be created such that onlycertain buttons and button positions are connected to certain addresslines. As shown, the various commonly accessible circuit lines compriselines 211 a through 211 j, which can include, for example, various powerlines, data lines, programming lines, clock lines, strobe lines andground lines, among others. It will be readily appreciated that more orfewer and/or different types of circuit lines may be used, as the needsof a particular design may require, and that the present example is onlyprovided for illustrative purposes.

FIG. 7 illustrates an electrical diagram for an exemplary buttonassembly to flexible cable interface according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. Again, such an electrical schematic is presented onlyfor illustrative purposes, and it will be readily appreciated that awide variety of alternative electrical arrangements may be suitably usedwith the present invention. As shown, access location 222A can be thesame access location set forth in FIG. 6B. Such an access location iswired for a 21-position cable connector 220, such as the CONAN typeconnector described above. As noted above with respect to FIG. 6B, thevarious circuit lines 211 and separate address lines connecting to thecable connector 220 can be of various types. In this particularembodiment, position 1 of cable connector 220 is designated for a powerline, while positions 2 and 12 are clock lines. Positions 3 and 13 are“XMT” or transmit data lines, while positions 4 and 14 are “REC” orreceive data lines. Positions 5 and 15 are strobe or synchronizationlines, while positions 6 and 16-18 (i.e., TD, TDI, TCLK, TMS) arein-system programming lines. Positions 19-21 are ground lines, whilepositions 7-11 comprise the address lines, which are used to provideeach access location with its own unique address along the flexiblecable. It will be readily appreciated that the electrical layouts foreach of access locations 222B, 222C and so forth are substantiallysimilar, albeit with different properties along the set of five addresslines, so as to create the unique address for each access location andthus button assembly that may be installed thereupon.

Moving next to FIG. 8A an exemplary physical configuration of buttonsfor the flexibly configurable button panel of FIGS. 3A and 3B isillustrated in top perspective view according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown, physical button panel configuration 101 caninvolve an actual button configuration and installation into anappropriate electronic device, such as a gaming machine, coin-operatedvideo game, or the like. Physical button panel configuration 101includes the use of the previously described flexibly configurablebutton panel 100, having a flexible cable 110, cable connectors 120,button assemblies 130 and harnesses 140, 150. As will be readilyappreciated, other different button panels might also be used to arriveat the same physical button panel configuration 101. For example, abutton panel having a flexible cable with 15 button locations might alsobe used to achieve the same end configuration result with five usedbuttons. Configuration 101 results in the five buttons 130 of theflexibly configurable button panel being arranged such that the firstfour buttons are in an evenly spaced straight line, while the fifthbutton is located at some distance above and to the right of the otherfour buttons.

Such a resulting button configuration can be aided by the use ofspecific holes or locations set forth in a mounting support plate 161 orother suitable cover plate or device that can be used for locating thebuttons for the button panel. Mounting support plate 161 can be includedas part of a flexibly configurable button panel or electronic devicehaving such a button panel, although such a button panel may not alwaysrequire such a mounting support plate or other cover device. Such amounting support plate can be formed from a rigid material that issufficiently sturdy for installation into a gaming machine or otherelectronic device. Holes can be created within the support plate orcover device, such that the various switches, button assemblies and/orother similar components of the button panel can be located through theholes and mounted to or with respect to the mounting support plate orcover plate. In some embodiments, button assemblies can be attacheddirectly to the mounting support plate, with the sturdy nature of thesupport plate then providing support for the mounted buttons.Alternatively, the plate can function simply as a cover device, with thebuttons being mounted to a device frame or some other support beneaththe cover plate.

FIG. 8B illustrates in top perspective view an alternative exemplaryphysical configuration of buttons for the flexibly configurable buttonpanel of FIGS. 3A and 3B. While configuration 101 of FIG. 8A had thefirst four buttons of flexibly configurable button panel 100 in anevenly spaced line, alternative physical button panel configuration 102provides that the same buttons 130 from the same button panel 100 canalternatively be arranged into a circle instead. As will be appreciated,all components from configurations 101 and 102 can be identical, withthe exception of the respective mounting support plates. As such,mounting support plate 162 for configuration 102 is alternativelyadapted to have holes such that the buttons 130 can be arranged in acircular formation. It is specifically contemplated that the sameflexibly configurable button panel 100 from FIG. 8A could be removedfrom the support plate 161 and configuration 101 depicted there, andthen readily installed into configuration 102 with support plate 162 asshown in FIG. 8B. Such flexibility and reconfigurability are madepossible through the flexible, twistable and bendable nature of flexiblecable 110, to which the buttons 130 are attached.

As will be readily appreciated, a wide variety of configurations havingdiffering numbers of buttons can be used, and it is specificallycontemplated that the flexibly configurable button panels disclosedherein can be reconfigured from one to another configuration in manysuch instances. For example, where a third different buttonconfiguration (not shown) having seven buttons in a triangular shapemight be desired, two buttons could be added to open connectors 120along button panel 100, and the flexible cable then readjusted such thatthe buttons can all align in a triangle. Although the ability toreconfigure for different numbers of buttons and relative buttonlocations is useful, another significant application for the flexiblyconfigurable button panels disclosed herein can be the streamlinedmanufacture of many such button panels for installation into differentmodel gaming machines having different button numbers and configurationrequirements. To this end, additional features such as different buttonpanel specifications and identification numbers or codes for such specscan be useful. Dedicated button panel processors can also beparticularly useful for such flexibly configurable button panels.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a block diagram of an exemplary flexiblyconfigurable button panel and various associated processing componentsis provided according to one embodiment of the present invention.Flexibly configurable button panel 100 can be identical or substantiallysimilar to foregoing embodiments, and as such may have a flexible cable110 connecting a plurality of buttons 130, some or all of which may havea button display screen 136 embedded therein. A processor harness 140can be used to connect flexible cable 110 to a button panelidentification device 170, which button panel ID device may include anID component 171 having a particular identifying number or code. Thebutton panel ID device 170 may also be in communication with a dedicateddynamic button panel controller 180, such as by a further extendingcommunication line 172. The dynamic button panel controller 180 may thenin turn be in communication with a master gaming controller 190 of agaming machine or other CPU type component of an alternative electronicdevice via communication line 181.

As will be readily appreciated, the exact general arrangement depictedherein is not intended to be limiting, and other arrangements arecertainly possible. For example, it is possible to have button panel IDdevice 170 and/or dynamic button panel controller be disposed on asingle board into which flexible cable 110 is directly plugged, suchthat harness 140 and a coupling communication line 172 are thenunnecessary. In some embodiments, button panel ID device 170 and dynamicbutton panel controller 180 can be located on the same board or even onthe same chipset or chip, as may be desired.

In various embodiments, button panel ID device can be used to identifythe exact associated button panel 100, such as a manufacturer's serialnumber, although preferably such an ID number or code can correspond toa particular callout of button assemblies that should be present atspecific cable connectors along the flexible cable 110. In this manner,the particular number or code on ID component 171 can be used todesignate the number of buttons to be used on the button panel, thetypes of buttons to be used, the exact locations or addresses for suchbuttons on the various open connectors of the button panel, and/or thenumbers and locations of open connectors to which no items should beplugged or directly coupled. The actual ID component can be any of avariety of item, such as, for example, a set of switches that can be setmanually or electrically, or a small processing unit and/or memory orother storage device adapted to contain the appropriate ID number orcode. In the even that manual switches are used, DIP switches arethought to work well, although other forms of manual switches maycertainly be substituted.

Dynamic button panel controller 180 can be adapted to perform a numberof button related functions, including, for example, the polling orchecking of buttons, button diagnostics, button programming, buttoninput processing, and video or visual image processing for button havingdisplay screens, among other pertinent functions. It is worth notingthat dynamic button panel controller 180 is set apart from master gamingcontroller 190, such that the bulk of processing for the entire buttonpanel 100 can be accomplished by this dedicated controller 180, therebyalleviating some of the processing burdens on the MGC, which can beparticularly useful for instances where large numbers of buttons arebeing used. Although a variety of connection types can be used, it isthought that a universal serial bus (“USB”) type connection 181 betweenthe dynamic button panel controller 180 and MGC 190 is particularlysuitable.

While dedicated dynamic button panel controller 180 is preferablyadapted to process input from each of the various button assemblies 130on the button panel 100, such a button panel controller may also be usedto determine whether the number of buttons and/or configuration ofbuttons is proper. As noted above, button panel ID device 170 havingparticular ID component 171 can be used to set forth the exact number,type and arrangement of buttons along flexible cable 110. In someembodiments, button panel ID device can be a relatively “dumb”communications and power processing device, such that the actual buttonpanel controller 180 is adapted to read the ID code from the IDcomponent, and then poll the various button addresses to ensure that theproper component or no component is present at each such address.Alternatively, button panel ID device can be adapted to perform thisfunction as well. Such a polling or checking function can be one that isperformed during the manufacturing process, during a startup or bootprocess, during a diagnostics check, or at any other time as may beappropriate. In some embodiments, such a function can be used to detectbroken or malfunctioning buttons during regular operations, such that analert can be given if a problem is detected.

In addition to the foregoing functions, button panel controller 180 canalso be a video or display processing device for each of the buttondisplays 136 on the associated buttons 130. Such a processing device canbe responsible not only for uploading images, animations and/or videoclips to each individual button display, but can also be a storagelocation for holding such display items as well. Associated memorycomponents (not shown) may be used to facilitate such a function. Forthis specialized functionality, controller 180 is preferably a videotype processor, with a wide variety of such processors being suitablefor use with the present invention. Although other brands and models maycertainly be used, it is thought that the ADSP-BF534 Blackfin modelprocessor by Analog Devices Inc., of Norwood Mass. is suitable for sucha purpose. Such a processor can be used to control all desired displayand other functionalities with respect to button panel 100, and in theevent that multiple button panels are used in a given gaming machine orother electronic device, such multiple panels may also be controlled bysuch a Blackfin processor.

Dynamic Display Systems

As described above with respect to the use of a dedicated button panelcontroller that can be used to control and drive the displays of variousbuttons, similar considerations can be made with respect to some or alldisplays in a gaming machine. Moving now to FIG. 10, a block diagram ofan exemplary dynamic display system for a gaming machine having dynamicdisplay buttons according to one embodiment of the present invention isprovided. Several components of overall dynamic display system 300 canbe identical or substantially similar to previously disclosed items. Forexample, gaming machine 310 can be similar to gaming machine 10, gamingmachine displays 326 and 335 can be similar to displays 26 and 35,master gaming controller 390 can be similar to master gaming controller190, flexibly configurable button panels 303 and 304 can be similar toflexibly configurable button panels 100 and 200, and dynamic buttonpanel controllers 381 and 382 can be similar to dynamic button panelcontroller 180. As in the foregoing embodiments, various buttons fromone or both button panels can be equipped with “dynamic displays,” suchthat the respective dynamic button panel controller should be a displaycontroller as well. Additional components can include other dynamicdisplays, such as, for example, a player tracking device with display306, a panel of bonus displays 305, and specialized dynamic displays385, 386 and 387 distributed about the gaming machine.

While primary gaming machine display 326 and top box display 335 may bedriven and directly controlled by one or more elements within MGC 390,various other dynamic displays are preferably driven and directlycontrolled by display controllers that are located outside the provinceof MGC 390. For example, the dynamic button panel controller 381 andsubject dynamic button panel 303 can be arranged as set forth above inthe examples of FIG. 9, and a similar arrangement can be had forcontroller 382 and its subject button panel 304. Alternatively, only onedynamic button panel controller 381 might be used for both button panels303, 304 bearing buttons with dynamic displays, with controller 382either not being used or being included into a combination controllerboard with controller 381. Also, dynamic display controller 383 might beused to control the displays of a bonus dynamic display panel 305, withsuch a dynamic display controller being similar set apart from MGC 390.In fact, dynamic display controller 383 may even be built into bonusdynamic display panel 305, as shown. Similarly, dynamic displaycontroller 384 can be adapted for the control of a dynamic display on aplayer tracking device 306, and may also be built into that device orotherwise located away from MGC 390.

Additional dynamic displays with associated dedicated dynamic displaycontrollers may be located elsewhere on and about gaming machine 310,such as dynamic displays having built in dynamic display controllers atdisplay windows 385 in the top box, 386 above a button panel, and 387 inthe belly glass of the gaming machine, among other locations. Suchdynamic displays may all be controlled directly by one or more dedicateddynamic display controllers that are separate from the MGC of the gamingmachine, thereby reducing the overall display processing burdens thatare typically placed upon the MGC (also sometimes called a “brain box”of the gaming machine). In some instances, such separate displaycontrollers 381-387 can be adapted to control their respective displaysin isolation, although it is preferable that there be at least some highlevel form of communications between the MGC and each separate displaycontroller, such as via a USB or other suitable connection. For example,the MGC may instruct a given display controller to provide a celebrationdisplay on one or more of its display units, whereupon the displaycontroller has the autonomy to select and process the actual type andsequence of celebration to be displayed.

In some embodiments, there can be five, ten, or even 32 or more dynamicdisplays, particularly where a large number of dynamic display typebuttons are used, since each individual display type button can beconsidered a separate dynamic display. Each dynamic display can beadapted to display a variety of still or static images, animations,video clips, “attract-mode” or other default images, diagnostic imagesto aid in the test and repair of various machine components, and/or anycombination of the foregoing items. In some embodiments, each dynamicdisplay can also be associated with one or more dedicated memory devicesor other storage units, such that various images, animations, clips andthe like can be stored at the dynamic display for ready retrieval anddisplay with minimal processing and/or downloading of display materialsbeing needed. Alternatively, or in addition to such storage beingpossible at a dynamic display device, one or more of the various dynamicdisplay controllers can be similarly adapted to have dedicated memory orstorage units that have stored static visual images, animations, videoclips and/or other display materials for use with one or morerespectively controlled dynamic displays.

In still further embodiments, one or more of the various dynamic displaycontrollers can be adapted to download display materials for display onits controlled display devices and/or for storage near the dynamicdisplay controller for ready access and use at a later time. Suchdownloaded materials may come from MGC 390 and/or from any othersuitable outside source, such as a specialized download server or otherexternal server associated with gaming machine 310. Various arrangementsfor such a download server and associated gaming machines and othercomponents distributed across a gaming network are generally known inthe art, and examples of such are also provided in greater detail abovewith respect to FIG. 2. In some embodiments, such downloaded materialsmay first be provided to MGC 390, upon which the materials are thenrelayed to the various appropriate dynamic display controllers by theMGC, such as via USB or other suitable connections.

In this manner, the MGC can be charged with accessing downloadedmaterials from a remote server and then distributing them to the variousdynamic display controllers as may be appropriate, without then beingfurther burdened by any display processing that may be incumbent uponthe use of such downloaded materials. Although there are countlessexamples of how such applications might be implemented for any givengaming machine or system, a particular example might involve the use ofdownloadable games and the different displays that are to be used forthe various button displays from game to game. For example, a card basedgame existing on gaming machine 310 may call for buttons labeled “hold,”“drop,” “deal,” “bet” and “redraw,” among others. When a player orcasino personnel might then elect to download a reel based game togaming machine 310, the labels for some or all of these buttons mightneed to be changed and/or blacked out, in the event that fewer buttonsare to be used with the new reel based game. In such an instance, theMGC 390 might request the new downloaded game and a host of associatedimages and other applications, which could include new button labels.Such new button labels might include, for example, “spin,” “respin,”“nudge,” and “bonus bet,” among others. Upon receiving the displayimages for these new button labels, the MGC could then simply pass thesedisplay images along to the responsible dynamic display controller 381,where such display images are then stored locally and/or provided to theindividual buttons for display in association with the new game.

As in the case of controllers 381 and 382 being combined into onecontrol unit for two button panels, it is also contemplated that anyparticular dynamic display controller be adapted to control dynamicdisplays on disparate devices. For example, the same controller might beused to control dynamic displays on a button panel and a player trackingdevice, as well as a belly glass dynamic display. In such instanceswhere multi-functional dynamic display controllers are used, it is alsopreferable that such controllers also be adapted to perform diagnosticschecks and be able to detect which kinds of devices with which thedisplay controller is communicating. For example, if dynamic displaycontroller 382 were removed, belly glass dynamic display 387 did nothave a built in display controller, and both button panel 304 and bellyglass dynamic display 387 were connected to dynamic display controller381, such controller 381 is preferably adapted to poll both new devicesto determine their device type and whether controller 381 is able tosupport the needs of these disparate display devices. Again, it isthought that a Blackfin type display controller device can be used forsuch applications.

Method of Manufacture

It will be readily appreciated that the various methods and illustrativeflowcharts provided herein are merely exemplary, and that the presentinvention may be practiced in a wide variety of suitable ways. While theprovided flowcharts may be comprehensive in some respects, it will bereadily understood that not every step provided is necessary, that othersteps can be included, and that the order of steps might be rearrangedas desired by a given manufacturer, as desired.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method ofmanufacturing an electronic device using a flexibly configurable buttonpanel. In particular, after start step 400, a first process step 402involves selecting a flexibly configurable button panel. Such a buttonpanel can be, for example, any of the exemplary flexibly configurablebutton panels as described above, such as button panel 100, forinstance. Process step 404 then involves electrically coupling theselected button panel to a processing unit for the electronic device.Such a processing unit could be, for example, a dynamic button panelcontroller, a button panel ID device, a master gaming controller, or anyother suitable controller adapted for interaction with the flexiblebutton panel. The method then continues to process step 406, where acheck is made for the proper buttons, other devices and/or appropriatelack thereof being installed on the button panel in general, as wellsuch buttons and/or devices being installed as at the proper locationsor addresses along the button panel, as described above in greaterdetail. Such a check can also determine whether the installed buttonsare functioning properly, as may be desired.

At a subsequent decision step 408, an inquiry is made as to whetherthere are any defective, missing or otherwise improperly installedbuttons or other devices on the button panel. If so, then the methodmoves to process step 410, where the improper button installationsand/or defective buttons can be corrected. From step 410, the method canthen revert back to step 406, such that further checks can be made untilthere are no defects or errors in the button installations along theflexibly configurable button panel. In the event that there are indeedno such defects or errors, then the method continues to process step412, where the physical locations of the various buttons and/or otheritems can be arranged with respect to each other according to apre-designed panel configuration. Examples of such arrangements anddesigns are provided above in FIGS. 8A and 8B, along with thedescriptions thereto. With respect to step 412, a mounting support platemay be used if desired. After the physical locations of the button s arearranged at step 412, the method then finishes at end step 414. Ofcourse, additional steps may also apply to such a manufacturing process,such as for example, plugging in or coupling individual buttons to thebutton panel, setting a panel ID either manually or electronically, anddesigning the actual button panel configuration or arrangement as it isto be installed.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail by way ofillustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, itwill be recognized that the above described invention may be embodied innumerous other specific variations and embodiments without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Certainchanges and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood thatthe invention is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but ratheris to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

1. A gaming machine adapted for accepting a wager, playing a game basedon the wager and granting a payout based on the result of the game,comprising: an exterior housing arranged to contain a plurality ofinternal gaming machine components therein; a master gaming controllerin communication with at least one of said plurality of internal gamingmachine components and adapted to execute or control one or more aspectsof said wager based game; and a flexibly configurable button panel indirect or indirect communication with said master gaming controller andadapted to provide a plurality of input buttons that can be arrangedinto multiple distinct button panel configurations, said flexiblyconfigurable button panel including: a flexible cable having a pluralityof separate printed circuit lines running therethrough, a plurality ofcable connectors spaced along and coupled to said flexible cable,wherein each of said plurality of cable connectors comprises a uniqueaddress along said flexible cable, and wherein each of said plurality ofcable connectors is adapted to provide electrical access to at least aportion of said plurality of separate printed circuit lines, and aplurality of button assemblies coupled to said flexible cable via atleast a portion of said plurality of cable connectors such that each ofsaid plurality of button assemblies is provided electrical access to atleast a portion of said plurality of separate printed circuit lines,wherein the relative physical locations of said plurality of buttonassemblies with respect to each other are substantially reconfigurableto form different button panel configurations while said plurality ofbutton assemblies remain coupled to said flexible cable via saidrespective portion of cable connectors.
 2. The gaming machine of claim1, wherein at least one of said plurality of button assemblies isremovably coupled to a respective cable connector.
 3. The gaming machineof claim 1, wherein the spacing between multiple pairs of consecutivecable connectors along said flexible cable is greater than about oneinch.
 4. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein at least one of saidplurality of cable connectors is adapted to provide electrical access toevery active circuit line within said flexible cable for purposes ofcommunications with one or more processors external to said flexiblyconfigurable button panel.
 5. The gaming machine of claim 1, whereinsaid plurality of button assemblies comprises at least five buttonassemblies.
 6. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein one or more ofsaid plurality of button assemblies comprises an input button having avisual display screen thereupon.
 7. The gaming machine of claim 1,wherein said printed circuit lines include one or more lines selectedfrom each of the categories consisting of data, programming, clock,strobe, power, ground and address lines.
 8. The gaming machine of claim1, further comprising: a dedicated dynamic button panel controllercoupled to said flexible cable via a respective cable connector, saiddedicated dynamic button panel controller being adapted to process inputfrom each of said plurality of button assemblies.
 9. The gaming machineof claim 8, further comprising: a button panel identification device,said button panel identification device having a number or code thatcorresponds to a particular callout of button assemblies that should bepresent at specific cable connectors selected from said plurality ofcable connectors.
 10. The gaming machine of claim 9, wherein at leastone of said dedicated dynamic button panel controller and said buttonpanel identification device is adapted to check each of said pluralityof cable connectors for the appropriate presence or absence of a buttonassembly according to said specific button panel identification numberor code.
 11. The gaming machine of claim 9, further comprising: a set ofmanually settable switches, wherein said specific button panelidentification number or code is provided as a result of the setting ofsaid set of manually settable switches.
 12. The gaming machine of claim9, further comprising: an electronic identification chip or storagedevice, wherein said specific button panel identification number or codeis provided as a result of a number or code stored on said electronicidentification chip or storage device.
 13. The gaming machine of claim1, further comprising: at least one electrical harness coupling arespective button assembly to a respective cable connector, wherein saidrespective button assembly is thereby flexibly locatable with respect tosaid flexible cable.
 14. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein one ormore of said plurality of cable connectors are selected from the groupconsisting of surface mount connectors, through-hole connectors andpress-fit connectors.
 15. The gaming machine of claim 1, furthercomprising: a mounting support plate formed from a rigid material andhaving holes for buttons disposed therethrough, said mounting supportplate being adapted for the mounting of said plurality of buttonassemblies on said gaming machine.
 16. A flexibly configurable buttonpanel adapted to provide a plurality of input buttons that can bearranged into multiple distinct button panel configurations for anassociated electronic device, said flexibly configurable button panelcomprising: a flexible cable having a plurality of separate circuitlines running therethrough; a plurality of cable connectors spaced alongand coupled to said flexible cable, wherein each of said plurality ofcable connectors is adapted to provide electrical access to at least aportion of said plurality of separate circuit lines; and a plurality ofbutton assemblies coupled to said flexible cable via at least a portionof said plurality of cable connectors such that each of said pluralityof button assemblies is provided electrical access to at least a portionof said plurality of separate circuit lines, wherein the relativephysical locations of said plurality of button assemblies with respectto each other are substantially reconfigurable to form different buttonpanel configurations while said plurality of button assemblies remaincoupled to said flexible cable via said respective portion of cableconnectors.
 17. The flexibly configurable button panel of claim 16,wherein at least one of said plurality of button assemblies is removablycoupled to a respective cable connector.
 18. The flexibly configurablebutton panel of claim 16, wherein the spacing between multiple pairs ofconsecutive cable connectors along said flexible cable is greater thanabout one inch.
 19. The flexibly configurable button panel of claim 16,wherein at least one of said plurality of cable connectors is adapted toprovide electrical access to every active circuit line within saidflexible cable for purposes of communications with one or moreprocessors external to said flexibly configurable button panel.
 20. Theflexibly configurable button panel of claim 16, wherein said circuitlines include one or more lines selected from each of the categoriesconsisting of data, programming, clock, strobe, power, ground andaddress lines.
 21. The flexibly configurable button panel of claim 16,further comprising: a dedicated dynamic button panel controller coupledto said flexible cable via a respective cable connector, said dedicateddynamic button panel controller being adapted to process input from eachof said plurality of button assemblies.
 22. The flexibly configurablebutton panel of claim 16, further comprising: a button panelidentification device, said button panel identification device having anumber or code that corresponds to a particular callout of buttonassemblies that should be present at specific cable connectors selectedfrom said plurality of cable connectors.
 23. The flexibly configurablebutton panel of claim 22, wherein said button panel identificationdevice is adapted to check each of said plurality of cable connectorsfor the appropriate presence or absence of a button assembly accordingto said specific button panel identification number or code.
 24. Theflexibly configurable button panel of claim 16, wherein one or more ofsaid plurality of cable connectors are selected from the groupconsisting of surface mount connectors, through-hole connectors andpress-fit connectors.
 25. The flexibly configurable button panel ofclaim 16, further comprising: a mounting support plate formed from arigid material and having holes for buttons disposed therethrough, saidmounting support plate being adapted for the mounting of said pluralityof button assemblies on said electronic device.
 26. A method ofmanufacturing an electronic device having user input buttons,comprising: selecting a flexibly configurable button panel having aflexible cable with a plurality of separate circuit lines runningtherethrough, a plurality of cable connectors spaced along and coupledto said flexible cable, wherein each of said plurality of cableconnectors is adapted to provide electrical access to at least a portionof said plurality of separate circuit lines, and a plurality of buttonassemblies coupled to said flexible cable via at least a portion of saidplurality of cable connectors such that each of said plurality of buttonassemblies is provided electrical access to at least a portion of saidplurality of separate circuit lines; electrically coupling said flexiblyconfigurable button panel to a processing unit associated with saidelectronic device, said processing unit being adapted to process inputfrom said plurality of button assemblies; and arranging the relativephysical locations of said plurality of button assemblies with respectto each other to form a specific button panel configuration inaccordance with a pre-designed button panel configuration for saidelectronic device while said plurality of button assemblies remaincoupled to said flexible cable via said respective portion of cableconnectors.
 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of:checking whether said plurality of button assemblies are correctlylocated at their respective plurality of cable connectors in accordancewith said pre-designed button panel configuration.
 28. The method ofclaim 27, wherein said checking step is performed in accordance with anumber or code present on a button panel identification deviceassociated with said flexibly configurable button panel.